The fourth edition of the Mallorca Open will take place at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Academy between June 17-23, 2019, and the organizers have already signed the first big name that will fight for the title in one of the last pre-Wimbledon tests.
World number 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber will make her second consecutive appearance at this International grass court event, using it as the preparation before heading to the All England Club where she will chase the second Wimbledon crown.
Tournament director Toni Nadal was thrilled to announce the German and he said this is the best possible illustration of the importance of this event, with the reigning Wimbledon champion choosing to shape up her game there two weeks before the third Major of the season.
Kerber played Mallorca Open this June as well, suffering a surprising loss against a qualifier Alison Riske and seeking a much better run in 2019. The news comes just a day after Angelique earned the Germany Sportswoman of the Year award for the second time, securing the honor thanks to that impressive win over Serena Williams in the final of Wimbledon and the year-end number 2 ranking behind Simona Halep.
Kerber kicked off the season ranked outside the top-20 but she played great tennis in the first three months to improve her ranking, winning the title in Sydney and losing in the semi-final of the Australian Open to Simona Halep after an epic battle.
The German had deep runs in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami as well and she had a decent campaign on clay before the semi-final in Eastbourne and that Wimbledon title after just one set lost. Angelique won only seven matches by the end of the year but it was enough to keep her just behind the Romanian in the standings, setting even bugger goals in 2019.
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